Corticoids modulate FSH action in cultured porcine granulosa cells

The effect of corticosteroids on FSH-stimulated production of progesterone and on LH/hCG receptor binding of 125I-hCG were studied in immature porcine granulosa cells. Deoxycorticosterone, deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOC), corticosterone, aldosterone and dexamethasone enhanced FSH stimulated progesterone production in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, cortisol cortisone and tetrahydrocorticosterone did not affect progesterone production. delta 4-androstenedione did not alter the enhancing effect of DOC. Incubation of granulosa cells with dbcAMP caused no significant increase of progesterone synthesis. All corticosteroids tested markedly inhibited stimulation of 125I-hCG binding on granulosa cells by FSH. It was concluded that the modulatory effect of corticosteroids on ovarian responsiveness to FSH consists of direct action on granulosa cells.